The Dangers of Stomach Stapling

Vertical Banded Gastroplasty (VBG), also known as Stomach stapling, has been one of the most common restrictive operations for weight control. A band and staples are used to create a small pouch in the stomach. In the bottom of the pouch is a hole around 1cm in diameter which contents can flow into the remainder of the stomach.

Stomach stapling is a very restrictive technique for managing obesity. It is often used when other forms of weight loss have failed. The pouch limits the amount of food a patient can eat at one time and slows passage of the food. Stomach stapling is known in the medical community as a very serious and dangerous procedure. It has been classed by the American Medical Association as a "severely dangerous" operation.

Why Stomach Stapling is Done

Stomach stapling is generally considered when your body mass index (BMI) is 40 or higher. It is also considered when your BMI is 35 or higher and you have a life-threatening or disabling condition that is related to your weight. The following conditions may also be required or at least considered:

• You have been obese for the last 5 years
• You have no history of alcohol abuse
• You do not have untreated depression or another major emotional disorder
• You are between 18 and 65 years old

Disadvantages of Stomach Stapling

• Needs strict patient compliance to diet
• "Healthier" foods are harder to digest while "junk" food passes easily
• Reversal of Stomach stapling is very intensive and intrusive
• Vomiting and severe discomfort if food is not properly chewed or if food is eaten too quickly
• Not adjustable
• It has been observed that approximately one in every hundred patients undergoing VBG die within a year

Advantages of Stomach Stapling

• No dumping syndrome
• No nutritional deficiencies/malabsorption

As you can see, the disadvantages far outweigh the benefits when it comes to Stomach stapling. If you or a family member have suffered injuries as a result of having having your stomach stapled you may be eligible for compensation. You should contact a medical malpractice attorney at your earliest convenience to discuss your options.

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